Osteotomy cutting systems and surgical techniques

ABSTRACT

Osteotomy cutting systems and surgical methods are provided herein. One surgical method includes coupling, to a cuneiform of a subject, a surgical apparatus for use in facilitating correction of a bunion and coupling the surgical apparatus to another bone of the subject. Another surgical method includes coupling a surgical apparatus to a cuneiform and metatarsal of a subject, coupling a cutting block for alignment at a joint between the cuneiform and the metatarsal, and performing a surgical procedure utilizing the surgical apparatus and the cutting block to correct a bunion. A further surgical method includes providing a surgical apparatus for use in facilitating correction of a bunion in a subject in which the surgical apparatus is configured to couple to a cuneiform and a metatarsal of the subject and performing a surgical procedure utilizing the surgical apparatus while the surgical apparatus is coupled to the cuneiform and the metatarsal.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of and claims priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/182,136, now U.S. Pat. No. ______,filed on Feb. 22, 2021, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 63/115,205, filed on Nov. 18, 2020,the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

The present technology relates generally to surgical instruments andtechniques, and more particularly to, osteotomy cutting systems andsurgical techniques.

BACKGROUND

Different surgical procedures utilize different instruments andtechniques. In an osteotomy for correcting a bunion, for example, thesurgeon makes multiple cuts to the bone to realign the joint usingmultiple surgical cutting blocks that each include a single cuttingguide. That is, each time that a new cut is needed to be made to thebone, the surgeon must move, the surgical cutting block to a newlocation or use a different surgical cutting block at the new locationto make the cut, both of which are time consuming and/or an inefficientuse of surgical instrumentation.

SUMMARY

Osteotomy cutting systems and surgical methods are provided herein. Onesurgical method includes coupling, to a cuneiform of a subject, asurgical apparatus for use in facilitating correction of a bunion in thesubject in which the cuneiform is a first bone of the subject andcoupling the surgical apparatus to a second bone of the subject.

Another surgical method includes coupling a surgical apparatus to acuneiform and a metatarsal of a subject, coupling a cutting block foralignment at a joint between the cuneiform and the metatarsal of thesubject. The method further includes performing a surgical procedureutilizing the surgical apparatus and the cutting block to correct abunion in the subject.

A further surgical method includes providing a surgical apparatus foruse in facilitating correction of a bunion in a subject in which thesurgical apparatus is configured to couple to a cuneiform and ametatarsal of the subject. The method further includes performing asurgical procedure utilizing the surgical apparatus while the surgicalapparatus is coupled to the cuneiform and the metatarsal of the subject.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To readily understand the advantages and benefits of the technology, amore particular description of the technology briefly described abovewill be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that areillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict typical embodiments of the technology, and are therefore not tobe considered to be limiting of its scope, the technology will bedescribed and explained with additional specificity and detail throughthe use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock including a plurality of single cut guides;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a plurality of single cut guides;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a plurality of single cut guides;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating still another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a plurality of single cut guides;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock including a plurality of double cut guides;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a plurality of double cut guides;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a plurality of double cut guides;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating still another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a plurality of double cut guides;

FIG. 9A is diagram illustrating a top view of one embodiment of asurgical cutting block including a single cut guide and a double cutguide;

FIG. 9B is diagram illustrating a side profile of the surgical cuttingblock illustrated in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is a diagram illustrating side view of the surgical cuttingblock illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a single cut guide and a double cut guide;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock including a plurality of single cut guides and a double cut guide;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a plurality of single cut guides and a doublecut guide;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock including a plurality of double cut guides and a single cut guide;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a plurality of double cut guides and a singlecut guide;

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock including a plurality of double cut guides and a plurality ofsingle cut guides;

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a plurality of double cut guides and a pluralityof single cut guides;

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock including a double cut guide and a plurality of single cut guides;

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a double cut guide and a plurality of single cutguides;

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock including a plurality of double cut guides and a single cut guide;

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a plurality of double cut guides and a singlecut guide;

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock including a double cut guide and a plurality of single cut guides;

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a double cut guide and a plurality of single cutguides;

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock including a plurality of double cut guides and a single cut guide;

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a plurality of double cut guides and a singlecut guide;

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a double cut guide and a plurality of single cutguides;

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating still another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a double cut guide and a plurality of single cutguides;

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a plurality of double cut guides and a singlecut guide;

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating still another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a plurality of double cut guides and a singlecut guide;

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a double cut guide and a plurality of single cutguides;

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating still another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a double cut guide and a plurality of single cutguides;

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a plurality of double cut guides and a singlecut guide;

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating still another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a plurality of double cut guides and a singlecut guide;

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock including a multi-cut guide and a single cut guide;

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a multi-cut guide and a single cut guide;

FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock including a multi-cut guide and a plurality of single cut guides;

FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a multi-cut guide and a plurality of single cutguides;

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock including a multi-cut guide and a double cut guide;

FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a multi-cut guide and a double cut guide;

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock including a plurality of multi-cut guides;

FIG. 40A is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a positioning fin;

FIG. 40B is a diagram illustrating a profile view of the positioning finillustrated in FIG. 40A;

FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating that opposite sides of a surgicalcutting block can be used on the left foot and the right foot of apatient;

FIG. 42A is a diagram illustrating a profile view of one embodiment of apositioning fin and a surgical cutting board engaged with one another;

FIG. 42B is a diagram illustrating a closer view of the positioning finand surgical cutting board illustrated in FIG. 42A;

FIG. 43A is a diagram illustrating a non-planar view of one embodimentof a surgical jig;

FIG. 43B is a diagram illustrating a top view of the surgical jigillustrated on FIG. 43A;

FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical jig thatis adjustable for performing an osteotomy on a left foot and/or a rightfoot;

FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a surgical jigconfigured to vertically adjust;

FIG. 46 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical jigincluding a rotating metatarsal contact;

FIG. 47A is a diagram illustrating a first position of an embodiment ofa surgical jig configured to laterally move a metatarsal;

FIG. 47B is a diagram illustrating the surgical jig illustrated in FIG.47A moved laterally to a second position;

FIG. 48A is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical jigconfigured to rotate a metatarsal;

FIG. 48B is a diagram illustrating the surgical jig illustrated in FIG.48A including a locking mechanism for at least temporarily locking arotated position of the metatarsal;

FIGS. 49A and 49B are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of removal ofa rotation guide from a surgical jig;

FIGS. 50A and 50B are diagrams illustrating one embodiment of a surgicaljig including a distraction body configured to compress and/or distracta cuneiform-metatarsal joint;

FIG. 51 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an osteotomycutting system;

FIG. 52A is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method forperforming an osteotomy;

FIG. 52B is a flow diagram illustrating another embodiment of a methodfor performing an osteotomy;

FIG. 53A is a flow diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of amethod for performing an osteotomy;

FIG. 53B is a flow diagram illustrating still another embodiment of amethod for performing an osteotomy;

FIGS. 54A through 54C are diagrams illustrating various embodiments of apositioning device;

FIGS. 55A and 55B are diagrams illustrating various embodiments of afixation device for use with the positioning devices of FIGS. 54Athrough 54C;

FIG. 56 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical systemincluding the surgical jig of FIG. 43 and a positioning device of FIGS.54A through 54C;

FIGS. 57A and 57B are diagrams illustrating embodiments of a moveablepositioning device that includes one of the positioning devices of FIGS.54A through 54C;

FIG. 58 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical systemincluding the surgical jig of FIG. 43 and the positioning deviceillustrated in FIGS. 57A and 57B;

FIGS. 59A and 59B are diagrams illustrating one embodiment of operationsof a positioning device of FIGS. 54A through 54C and/or FIGS. 57A and57B; and

FIGS. 60 through 62 flow are flow diagrams illustrating variousembodiments of a method for positioning and/or moving a bone during anosteotomy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It should be understood that the language used in the present disclosurehas been principally selected for readability and instructionalpurposes, and not to limit the scope of the subject matter disclosedherein in any manner. Further, reference throughout this specificationto “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus,appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” andsimilar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more butnot all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms“including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean“including, but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. Anenumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the itemsare mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “oneor more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

In addition, as used herein, the term “set” can mean “one or more,”unless expressly specified otherwise. The term “sets” can mean multiplesof or a plurality of “one or mores,” “ones or more,” and/or “ones ormores” consistent with set theory, unless expressly specified otherwise.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled inthe relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practicedwithout one or more of the specific features or advantages of aparticular embodiment. In other instances, additional features andadvantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not bepresent in all embodiments.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics ofthe various embodiments disclosed herein may be combined in any suitablemanner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, thatembodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specificdetails, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. Inother instances, well-known structures, and/or materials are not shownor described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of an embodiment.

Various embodiments provide osteotomy cutting systems surgicaltechniques. Some osteotomy cutting systems include a surgical cuttingblock, a positioning guide, and/or a surgical jig. Various surgicaltechniques perform an osteotomy using one embodiment of an osteotomycutting system.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating oneembodiment of a surgical cutting block 100. At least in the illustratedembodiment, the surgical cutting block 100 includes, among othercomponents, a cutting platform 102 (or cutting portion 102) including aplurality of single cut guides 104 (e.g., cutting slots) formed thereon,a positioning slot 106 (e.g., an aperture), a cuneiform fixationplatform 108, a metatarsal fixation platform 110, and a plurality ofwire holes 112.

The cutting platform 102 may be formed of any suitable material. Incertain embodiments, the material included in and/or forming the cuttingplatform 102 is sterilizable.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , the plurality of single cutguides 104 includes a single cut guide 104 located on opposite sides ofthe positioning slot 106. Other embodiments may include the plurality ofsingle cut guides 104 positioned at other locations on the cuttingplatform 102 (e.g., on the same side of the positioning slot 106, amongother locations that are possible and contemplated herein). That is, theplurality of single cut guides 104 may be positioned/formed at anysuitable location on the cutting platform 102.

The single cut guides 104 each include a size and/or width capable ofaccepting a surgical cutting tool (e.g., a scalpel, surgical knife,etc.) and provide a single path for the surgical cutting tool to followwhile the surgical cutting tool is being used to produce an incision ina patient. Each single cut guide 104 includes an angle (θ), which can beany suitable angle (e.g., an angle (θ) in the range of about one degree(1°) to about 90 degrees (90°)) with respect to any suitable referencepoint that can provide a predetermined and/or target path for thesurgical cutting tool to follow while the surgical cutting tool iscutting a patient and/or performing a surgical procedure.

In some embodiments, all of the single cut guides 104 are angled in thesame direction (e.g., angled toward the left or toward the right withrespect to the user (e.g., a medical professional)). In the illustratedembodiment, all of the single cut guides 104 are angled in the differentdirections (see, e.g., FIG. 1 ).

In additional or alternative embodiments, a pair of single cut guides104 are positioned on the cutting platform 102 such that there is anangle (θ₁) created between the pair of single cut guides 104, which maybe any suitable angle (θ₁). In various embodiments, the angle (θ₁) is inthe range of about fifteen degrees (15°) to about 75 degrees (75°).

The positioning slot 106 is configured to facilitate positioning thesurgical cutting block 100 over a target surgical area. The positioningslot 106 may include any suitable size and/or shape that can facilitatepositioning the surgical cutting block 100 over a target surgical area.

A cuneiform fixation platform 108 may include any suitable size, shape,and/or material(s) that can facilitate fixating the surgical cuttingblock 100 to a cuneiform. In certain embodiments, the cuneiform fixationplatform 108 is located on a side of the cutting platform 102, amongother locations that are possible and contemplated herein.

A metatarsal fixation platform 110 may include any suitable size, shape,and/or material(s) that can facilitate fixating the surgical cuttingblock 100 to a metatarsal. In various embodiments, the metatarsalfixation platform 110 is located on a side of the cutting platform 102,among other locations that are possible and contemplated herein. In someembodiments, the cuneiform fixation platform 108 is located on one sideof the cutting platform 102 and the metatarsal fixation platform 110 islocated on the other side of the cutting platform 102 opposite thecuneiform fixation platform 108, among other locations and/or relativepositions that are possible and contemplated herein.

In some embodiments, the cuneiform fixation platform 108 and themetatarsal fixation platform 110 include a set of wire holes 112 formedrespectively therein. Each of the he cuneiform fixation platform 108 andthe metatarsal fixation platform 110 include one or more wire holes 112for attaching the surgical cutting block 100 to a cuneiform and ametatarsal, respectively, which can be any suitable quantity of wireholes 112. Further, the wire holes 112 may include any suitable sizeand/or shape that can facilitate fixating the surgical cutting block 100to a cuneiform and a metatarsal via a pin passing through the wire holes112 on the cuneiform fixation platform 108 and the metatarsal fixationplatform 110, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block 200 including a plurality of single cut guides 104. Inthis embodiment, a sub-plurality of single cut guides 104 arepositioned/located on a cutting platform 202 on the side of thepositioning slot 106 toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110.Further, surgical cutting block 200 includes one single cut guide 104positioned/located on the cutting platform 202 on the side of thepositioning slot 106 toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108.

In some embodiments, all of the single cut guides 104 are angled in thesame direction (e.g., angled toward the left or toward the right withrespect to the user (e.g., a medical professional)). In the illustratedembodiment, all of the single cut guides 104 on the same side of thepositioning slot 106 are angled in the same direction and in a differentdirection than the single cut guide 104 on the other side of thepositioning slot 106.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the single cut guides 104 arepositioned on the cutting platform 202 such that there is an angle (θ₁)and (θ_(x)) created between the sub-plurality of single cut guides 104and the one single cut guide 104, which may be any suitable angle. Invarious embodiments, the respective angles (θ₁) and (θ_(x)) may each bein the range of about fifteen degrees (15°) to about 75 degrees (75°).

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block 300 including a plurality of single cut guides 104. Inthis embodiment, a sub-plurality of single cut guides 104 arepositioned/located on a cutting platform 302 on the side of thepositioning slot 106 toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108.Further, surgical cutting block 300 includes one single cut guide 104positioned/located on the cutting platform 302 on the side of thepositioning slot 106 toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110.

In some embodiments, all of the single cut guides 104 are angled in thesame direction (e.g., angled toward the left or toward the right withrespect to the user (e.g., a medical professional)). In the illustratedembodiment, all of the single cut guides 104 on the same side of thepositioning slot 106 are angled in the same direction and in a differentdirection than the single cut guide 104 on the other side of thepositioning slot 106.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the single cut guides 104 arepositioned on the cutting platform 302 such that there is an angle (θ₁)and (θ_(x)) created between the sub-plurality of single cut guides 104and the one single cut guide 104, which may be any suitable angle. Invarious embodiments, the respective angles (θ₁) and (θ_(x)) may each bein the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating still another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block 400 including a plurality of single cut guides 104. Inthis embodiment, a sub-plurality of single cut guides 104 arepositioned/located on a cutting platform 402 on the side of thepositioning slot 106 toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110.Further, surgical cutting block 400 includes a sub-plurality of singlecut guides 104 positioned/located on the cutting platform 102 on theside of the positioning slot 106 toward the cuneiform fixation platform108.

In some embodiments, all of the single cut guides 104 are angled in thesame direction (e.g., angled toward the left or toward the right withrespect to the user (e.g., a medical professional)). In the illustratedembodiment, all of the single cut guides 104 on the same side of thepositioning slot 106 are angled in the same direction and in a differentdirection than the single cut guides 104 on the other side of thepositioning slot 106.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the single cut guides 104 arepositioned on the cutting platform 402 such that there is an angle (θ₁),(θ_(x)), (θ_(y)), and (θ_(z)) created between the sub-plurality ofsingle cut guides 104 located on each side of the positioning slot 106,which may be any suitable angle. In various embodiments, the respectiveangles (θ₁), (θ_(x)), (θ_(y)), and (θ_(z)) may each be in the range ofabout 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock 500 including a plurality of double cut guides 104. In thisembodiment, a double cut guide 504 is positioned/located on a cuttingplatform 502 on each side of the positioning slot 106, among otherpositions that are possible and contemplated herein.

The double cut guides 504 each include a pair of paths that can includeany suitable size and/or width capable of accepting a surgical cuttingtool (e.g., a scalpel, surgical knife, etc.) and provide a respectivepath for the surgical cutting tool to follow while the surgical cuttingtool is being used to produce an incision in a patient. Each double cutguide 504 includes an angle, which can be any suitable angle (e.g., anangle in the range of about one degree (1°) to about 90 degrees)(90°)with respect to any suitable reference point that can provide apredetermined and/or target path for the surgical cutting tool to followwhile the surgical cutting tool is cutting a patient and/or performing asurgical procedure.

In some embodiments, all of the double cut guides 504 are angled in thesame direction (e.g., angled toward the left or toward the right withrespect to the user (e.g., a medical professional)). In the illustratedembodiment, all of the double cut guides 504 are angled in the differentdirections.

In additional or alternative embodiments, a pair of double cut guides504 are positioned on the cutting platform 502 such that there is anangle (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), and (θ₄) created between the double cut guides504 located on each side of the positioning slot 106, which may be anysuitable angle. In various embodiments, the respective angles (θ₁),(θ₂), (θ₃), and (θ₄) may each be in the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block 600 including a plurality of double cut guides 504. Inthis embodiment, a sub-plurality of double cut guides 504 arepositioned/located on a cutting platform 602 on the side of thepositioning slot 106 toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110.Further, surgical cutting block 600 includes one double cut guide 504positioned/located on the cutting platform 602 on the side of thepositioning slot 106 toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108.

In some embodiments, all of the double cut guides 504 are angled in thesame direction (e.g., angled toward the left or toward the right withrespect to the user (e.g., a medical professional)). In the illustratedembodiment, all of the double cut guides 504 on the same side of thepositioning slot 106 are angled in the same direction and in a differentdirection than the double cut guide 504 on the other side of thepositioning slot 106.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the double cut guides 504 arepositioned on the cutting platform 602 such that there is an (θ₁), (θ₂),(θ₃), (θ₄), (θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)), (θ_(y1)), and (θ_(y2)) created betweenthe double cut guides 504 located on each side of the positioning slot106, which may be any suitable angle. In various embodiments, therespective angles (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)), (θ_(y1)),and (θ_(y2)) may each be in the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block 700 including a plurality of double cut guides 504. Inthis embodiment, a sub-plurality of double cut guides 504 arepositioned/located on a cutting platform 702 on the side of thepositioning slot 106 toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108.Further, surgical cutting block 700 includes one double cut guide 504positioned/located on the cutting platform 702 on the side of thepositioning slot 106 toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110.

In some embodiments, all of the double cut guides 504 are angled in thesame direction (e.g., angled toward the left or toward the right withrespect to the user (e.g., a medical professional)). In the illustratedembodiment, all of the double cut guides 504 on the same side of thepositioning slot 106 are angled in the same direction and in a differentdirection than the double cut guide 504 on the other side of thepositioning slot 106.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the double cut guides 504 arepositioned on the cutting platform 702 such that there is an (θ₁), (θ₂),(θ₃), (θ₄), (θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)), (θ_(y1)), and (θ_(y2)) created betweenthe double cut guides 504 located on each side of the positioning slot106, which may be any suitable angle. In various embodiments, therespective angles (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)), (θ_(y1)),and (θ_(y2)) may each be in the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block 800 including a plurality of double cut guides 504. Inthis embodiment, a sub-plurality of double cut guides 504 arepositioned/located on a cutting platform 802 on both sides of thepositioning slot.

In some embodiments, all of the double cut guides 504 are angled in thesame direction (e.g., angled toward the left or toward the right withrespect to the user (e.g., a medical professional)). In the illustratedembodiment, all of the double cut guides 504 on the same side of thepositioning slot 106 are angled in the same direction and in a differentdirection than the double cut guides 504 on the other side of thepositioning slot 106.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the double cut guides 504 arepositioned on the cutting platform 802 such that there is an angle (θ₁),(θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)), (θ_(x3)), (θ^(x4)), (θ_(y1)),(θ_(y2)), (θ_(y3)), and (θ_(y4)) created between the double cut guides504 located on each side of the positioning slot 106, which may be anysuitable angle. In various embodiments, the respective angles θ₁), (θ₂),(θ₃), (θ₄), (θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)), (θ_(x3)), (θ_(x4)), (θ_(y1)), (θ_(y2)),(θ_(y3)), and (θ_(y4)) may each be in the range of about 15° to about75°.

FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock 900 including a single cut guide 104 and a double cut guide 504.In this embodiment, the single cut guide 104 is positioned/located on acutting platform 902 on the side of the positioning slot 106 toward themetatarsal fixation platform 110. Further, surgical cutting block 900includes the double cut guide 504 positioned/located on the cuttingplatform 902 on the side of the positioning slot 106 toward thecuneiform fixation platform 108.

In some embodiments, the single cut guide 104 and the double cut guide504 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angled toward the left ortoward the right with respect to the user (e.g., a medicalprofessional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the single cut guide 104and the double cut guide 504 are angled in different directions.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the single cut guide 104 andthe double cut guide 504 are positioned on the cutting platform 902 suchthat there is an angle (θ₁) and (θ₂) created between the single cutguide 104 and the double cut guide 504, which may be any suitable angle.In various embodiments, the respective angles (θ₁) and (θ₂) may each bein the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 9B is diagram illustrating a side profile of the surgical cuttingblock 900. FIG. 9B illustrates that a single cut guide 104 (e.g., anaperture) and a double cut guide 504 (e.g., an aperture) extend throughthe cutting platform 902.

FIG. 9C is a diagram illustrating side view of the surgical cuttingblock 900. FIG. 9C illustrates that the cutting platform 902 may includea slope and/or sloped portion that can be any suitable slope included atany suitable portion of the cutting platform.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block 1000 including a single cut guide 104 and a double cutguide 504. In this embodiment, the single cut guide 104 ispositioned/located on a cutting platform 1002 on the side of thepositioning slot 106 toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108.Further, surgical cutting block 1000 includes the double cut guide 504positioned/located on the cutting platform 1002 on the side of thepositioning slot 106 toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110.

In some embodiments, the single cut guide 104 and the double cut guide504 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angled toward the left ortoward the right with respect to the user (e.g., a medicalprofessional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the single cut guide 104and the double cut guide 504 are angled in different directions.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the single cut guide 104 andthe double cut guide 504 are positioned on the cutting platform 102 suchthat there is an angle (θ₁) and (θ₂) created between the single cutguide 104 and the double cut guide 504, which may be any suitable angle.In various embodiments, the respective angles (θ₁) and (θ₂) may each bein the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock 1100 including a plurality of single cut guides 104 and a doublecut guide 504. In this embodiment, the plurality of single cut guides104 are positioned/located on a cutting platform 1102 on the side of thepositioning slot 106 toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110.Further, surgical cutting block 1100 includes the double cut guide 504positioned/located on the cutting platform 1102 on the side of thepositioning slot 106 toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108.

In some embodiments, the plurality of single cut guides 104 and thedouble cut guide 504 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angledtoward the left or toward the right with respect to the user (e.g., amedical professional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality ofsingle cut guides 104 and the double cut guide 504 are angled indifferent directions.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the plurality of single cutguides 104 and the double cut guide 504 are positioned on the cuttingplatform 1102 such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ_(x)), and(θ_(y)) created between the plurality of single cut guides 104 and thedouble cut guide 504, which may be any suitable angle. In variousembodiments, the respective angles (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ_(x)), and (θ_(y)) mayeach be in the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block including a plurality of single cut guides 104 and adouble cut guide 504. In this embodiment, the plurality of single cutguides 104 are positioned/located on a cutting platform 1202 on the sideof the positioning slot 106 toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108.Further, surgical cutting block 1200 includes the double cut guide 504positioned/located on the cutting platform 1202 on the side of thepositioning slot 106 toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110.

In some embodiments, the plurality of single cut guides 104 and thedouble cut guide 504 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angledtoward the left or toward the right with respect to the user (e.g., amedical professional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality ofsingle cut guides 104 and the double cut guide 504 are angled indifferent directions.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the plurality of single cutguides 104 and the double cut guide 504 are positioned on the cuttingplatform 1202 such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ_(x)), and(θ_(y)) created between the plurality of single cut guides 104 and thedouble cut guide 504, which may be any suitable angle. In variousembodiments, the respective angles (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ_(x)), and (θ_(y)) mayeach be in the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock 1300 including a plurality of double cut guides 504 and a singlecut guide 104. In this embodiment, the plurality of double cut guides504 are positioned/located on a cutting platform 1302 on the side of thepositioning slot 106 toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110.Further, surgical cutting block 1300 includes the single cut guide 104positioned/located on the cutting platform 1302 on the side of thepositioning slot 106 toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108.

In some embodiments, the plurality of double cut guides 504 and thesingle cut guide 104 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angledtoward the left or toward the right with respect to the user (e.g., amedical professional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality ofdouble cut guides 504 and the single cut guide 104 are angled indifferent directions.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the plurality of double cutguides 504 and the single cut guide 104 are positioned on the cuttingplatform 1302 such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ_(x)), and(θ_(y)) created between the single cut guide 104 and the plurality ofdouble cut guides 504, which may be any suitable angle. In variousembodiments, the respective angles (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ_(x)), and (θ_(y)) mayeach be in the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block 1400 including a plurality of double cut guides 504 and asingle cut guide 104. In this embodiment, the plurality of double cutguides 504 are positioned/located on a cutting platform 1402 on the sideof the positioning slot 106 toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108.Further, surgical cutting block 1400 includes the single cut guide 104positioned/located on the cutting platform 1402 on the side of thepositioning slot 106 toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110.

In some embodiments, the plurality of double cut guides 504 and thesingle cut guide 104 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angledtoward the left or toward the right with respect to the user (e.g., amedical professional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality ofdouble cut guides 504 and the single cut guide 104 are angled indifferent directions.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the plurality of double cutguides 504 and the single cut guide 104 are positioned on the cuttingplatform 1402 such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ_(x)), and(θ_(y)) created between the single cut guide 104 and the plurality ofdouble cut guides 504, which may be any suitable angle. In variousembodiments, the respective angles (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ_(x)), and (θ_(y)) mayeach be in the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock 1500 including a plurality of double cut guides 504 and aplurality of single cut guides 104. In this embodiment, the plurality ofdouble cut guides 504 are located/positioned on a cutting platform 1502toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108 and the plurality of singlecut guides 104 are located/positioned on the cutting platform 1502toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110.

In some embodiments, the plurality of double cut guides 504 and theplurality of single cut guides 104 are angled in the same direction(e.g., angled toward the left or toward the right with respect to theuser (e.g., a medical professional)). In the illustrated embodiment, theplurality of double cut guides 504 and the plurality of single cutguides 104 are angled in different directions.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the plurality of double cutguides 504 and the plurality of single cut guides 104 are positioned onthe cutting platform 1402 such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂),(θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)), (θ_(y1)), (θ_(y2)), (θ_(z1)), and (θ_(z2)) createdbetween the plurality of single cut guides 104 and the plurality ofdouble cut guides 504, which may be any suitable angle. In variousembodiments, the respective angles (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)),(θ_(y1)), (θ_(y2)), (θ_(z1)), and (θ_(z2)) may each be in the range ofabout 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block 1600 including a plurality of double cut guides 504 and aplurality of single cut guides 104. In this embodiment, the plurality ofdouble cut guides 504 are located/positioned on a cutting platform 1602toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110 and the plurality of singlecut guides 104 are located/positioned on the cutting platform 1602toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108.

In some embodiments, the plurality of double cut guides 504 and theplurality of single cut guides 104 are angled in the same direction(e.g., angled toward the left or toward the right with respect to theuser (e.g., a medical professional)). In the illustrated embodiment, theplurality of double cut guides 504 and the plurality of single cutguides 104 are angled in different directions.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the plurality of double cutguides 504 and the plurality of single cut guides 104 are positioned onthe cutting platform 1402 such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂),(θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)), (θ_(y1)), (θ_(y2)), (θ_(z1)), and (θ_(z2)) createdbetween the plurality of single cut guides 104 and the plurality ofdouble cut guides 504, which may be any suitable angle. In variousembodiments, the respective angles (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)),(θ_(y1)), (θ_(y2)), (θ_(z1)), and (θ_(z2)) may each be in the range ofabout 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock 1700 including a double cut guide 504 and a plurality of singlecut guides 104. In this embodiment, the double cut guide 504 and onesingle cut guide 104 are located/positioned on a cutting platform 1702toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108 and one single cut guide 104is located/positioned on the cutting platform 1702 toward the metatarsalfixation platform 110. Further, the double cut guide 504 islocated/positioned to the right of the single cut guide 104 on thecuneiform fixation platform 108 side of the cutting platform 102.

In some embodiments, the double cut guide 504 and the single cut guides104 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angled toward the left ortoward the right with respect to the user (e.g., a medicalprofessional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the double cut guide 504and the single cut guide 104 on the same side of the positioning slot106 are angled in the same direction and the single cut guide 104 on theopposite side of the positioning slot 106 is angled in a differentdirection.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the double cut guide 504 andthe single cut guide 104 are positioned on the cutting platform 1402such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), and (θ₃) created between thedouble cut guide 504 and the single cut guide 104 and the other singlecut guide 104, which may be any suitable angle. In various embodiments,the respective angles (θ_(x)), (θ₂), and (θ₃) may each be in the rangeof about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block 1800 including a double cut guide 504 and a plurality ofsingle cut guides 104. In this embodiment, the double cut guide 504 andone single cut guide 104 are located/positioned on a cutting platform1802 toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110 and one single cutguide 104 is located/positioned on the cutting platform 1802 toward thecuneiform fixation platform 108. Further, the double cut guide 504 islocated/positioned to the right of the single cut guide 104 on themetatarsal fixation platform 110 side of the cutting platform 1802.

In some embodiments, the double cut guide 504 and the single cut guides104 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angled toward the left ortoward the right with respect to the user (e.g., a medicalprofessional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the double cut guide 504and the single cut guide 104 on the same side of the positioning slot106 are angled in the same direction and the single cut guide 104 on theopposite side of the positioning slot 106 is angled in a differentdirection.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the double cut guide 504 andthe single cut guide 104 are positioned on the cutting platform 1402such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), and (θ₃) created between thedouble cut guide 504 and the single cut guide 104 and the other singlecut guide 104, which may be any suitable angle. In various embodiments,the respective angles (θ_(x)), (θ₂), and (θ₃) may each be in the rangeof about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock 1900 including a plurality of double cut guides 504 and a singlecut guide 104. In this embodiment, one double cut guide 504 and thesingle cut guide 104 are located/positioned on a cutting platform 1902toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108 and one double cut guide 504is located/positioned on the cutting platform 1902 toward the metatarsalfixation platform 110. Further, the double cut guide 504 islocated/positioned to the right of the single cut guide 104 on thecuneiform fixation platform 108 side of the cutting platform 1902.

In some embodiments, the double cut guides 504 and the single cut guide104 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angled toward the left ortoward the right with respect to the user (e.g., a medicalprofessional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the double cut guide 504and the single cut guide 104 on the same side of the positioning slot106 are angled in the same direction and the double cut guide 504 on theopposite side of the positioning slot 106 is angled in a differentdirection.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the double cut guide 504 andthe single cut guide 104 are positioned on the cutting platform 1402such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ₅), and (θ₆)created between the double cut guide 504 and the single cut guide 104and the other double cut guide 504, which may be any suitable angle. Invarious embodiments, the respective angles (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ₅),and (θ₆) may each be in the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block 2000 including a plurality of double cut guides 504 and asingle cut guide 104. In this embodiment, one double cut guide 504 andthe single cut guide 104 are located/positioned on a cutting platform2002 toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110 and one double cutguide 504 is located/positioned on the cutting platform 2002 toward thecuneiform fixation platform 108. Further, the double cut guide 504 islocated/positioned to the right of the single cut guide 104 on themetatarsal fixation platform 110 side of the cutting platform 2002.

In some embodiments, the double cut guides 504 and the single cut guide104 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angled toward the left ortoward the right with respect to the user (e.g., a medicalprofessional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the double cut guide 504and the single cut guide 104 on the same side of the positioning slot106 are angled in the same direction and the double cut guide 504 on theopposite side of the positioning slot 106 is angled in a differentdirection.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the double cut guide 504 andthe single cut guide 104 are positioned on the cutting platform 1402such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ₅), and (θ₆)created between the double cut guide 504 and the single cut guide 104and the other double cut guide 504, which may be any suitable angle. Invarious embodiments, the respective angles (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ₅),and (θ₆) may each be in the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock 2100 including a double cut guide 504 and a plurality of singlecut guides 104. In this embodiment, the double cut guide 504 and onesingle cut guide 104 are located/positioned on a cutting platform 2102toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108 and one single cut guide 104is located/positioned on the cutting platform 2102 toward the metatarsalfixation platform 110. Further, the double cut guide 504 islocated/positioned to the left of the single cut guide 104 on thecuneiform fixation platform 108 side of the cutting platform 2102.

In some embodiments, the double cut guide 504 and the single cut guides104 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angled toward the left ortoward the right with respect to the user (e.g., a medicalprofessional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the double cut guide 504and the single cut guide 104 on the same side of the positioning slot106 are angled in the same direction and the single cut guide 104 on theopposite side of the positioning slot 106 is angled in a differentdirection.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the double cut guide 504 andthe single cut guide 104 are positioned on the cutting platform 1402such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), and (θ₃) created between thedouble cut guide 504 and the single cut guide 104 and the other singlecut guide 104, which may be any suitable angle. In various embodiments,the respective angles (θ_(x)), (θ₂), and (θ₃) may each be in the rangeof about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block 2200 including a double cut guide 504 and a plurality ofsingle cut guides 104. In this embodiment, the double cut guide 504 andone single cut guide 104 are located/positioned on a cutting platform2202 toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110 and one single cutguide 104 is located/positioned on the cutting platform 2202 toward thecuneiform fixation platform 108. Further, the double cut guide 504 islocated/positioned to the left of the single cut guide 104 on themetatarsal fixation platform 110 side of the cutting platform 2202.

In some embodiments, the double cut guide 504 and the single cut guides104 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angled toward the left ortoward the right with respect to the user (e.g., a medicalprofessional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the double cut guide 504and the single cut guide 104 on the same side of the positioning slot106 are angled in the same direction and the single cut guide 104 on theopposite side of the positioning slot 106 is angled in a differentdirection.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the double cut guide 504 andthe single cut guide 104 are positioned on the cutting platform 1402such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), and (θ₃) created between thedouble cut guide 504 and the single cut guide 104 and the other singlecut guide 104, which may be any suitable angle. In various embodiments,the respective angles (θ_(x)), (θ₂), and (θ₃) may each be in the rangeof about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock 2300 including a plurality of double cut guides 504 and a singlecut guide 104. In this embodiment, one double cut guide 504 and thesingle cut guide 104 are located/positioned on a cutting platform 2302toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108 and one double cut guide 504is located/positioned on the cutting platform 2302 toward the metatarsalfixation platform 110. Further, the double cut guide 504 islocated/positioned to the left of the single cut guide 104 on thecuneiform fixation platform 108 side of the cutting platform 2302.

In some embodiments, the double cut guides 504 and the single cut guide104 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angled toward the left ortoward the right with respect to the user (e.g., a medicalprofessional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the double cut guide 504and the single cut guide 104 on the same side of the positioning slot106 are angled in the same direction and the double cut guide 504 on theopposite side of the positioning slot 106 is angled in a differentdirection.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the double cut guide 504 andthe single cut guide 104 are positioned on the cutting platform 1402such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ₅), and (θ₆)created between the double cut guide 504 and the single cut guide 104and the other double cut guide 504, which may be any suitable angle. Invarious embodiments, the respective angles (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ₅),and (θ₆) may each be in the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block 2400 including a plurality of double cut guides 504 and asingle cut guide 104. In this embodiment, one double cut guide 504 andthe single cut guide 104 are located/positioned on a cutting platform2402 toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110 and one double cutguide 504 is located/positioned on the cutting platform 2402 toward thecuneiform fixation platform 108. Further, the double cut guide 504 islocated/positioned to the left of the single cut guide 104 on themetatarsal fixation platform 110 side of the cutting platform 2402.

In some embodiments, the double cut guides 504 and the single cut guide104 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angled toward the left ortoward the right with respect to the user (e.g., a medicalprofessional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the double cut guide 504and the single cut guide 104 on the same side of the positioning slot106 are angled in the same direction and the double cut guide 504 on theopposite side of the positioning slot 106 is angled in a differentdirection.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the double cut guide 504 andthe single cut guide 104 are positioned on the cutting platform 1402such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ₅), and (θ₆)created between the double cut guide 504 and the single cut guide 104and the other double cut guide 504, which may be any suitable angle. Invarious embodiments, the respective angles (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ₅),and (θ₆) may each be in the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block 2500 including a double cut guide 504 and a plurality ofsingle cut guides 104. In this embodiment, the double cut guide 504 andone single cut guide 104 are located/positioned on a cutting platform2502 toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108 and a plurality ofsingle cut guides 104 are located/positioned on the cutting platform2502 toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110. Further, the doublecut guide 504 is located/positioned to the right of the single cut guide104 on the cuneiform fixation platform 108 side of the cutting platform2502.

In some embodiments, the double cut guide 504 and the single cut guides104 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angled toward the left ortoward the right with respect to the user (e.g., a medicalprofessional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the double cut guide 504and the single cut guide 104 on the same side of the positioning slot106 are angled in the same direction and the plurality of single cutguides 104 on the opposite side of the positioning slot 106 are angledin the direction as one another and a different direction than thedouble cut guide 504 and the single cut guide 104.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the double cut guide 504 andthe single cut guide 104 are positioned on the cutting platform 1402such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ₅), and (θ₆)created between the double cut guide 504 and the single cut guide 104and the other plurality of single cut guides 104, which may be anysuitable angle. In various embodiments, the respective angles (θ₁),(θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ₅), and (θ₆) may each be in the range of about 15°to about 75°.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block 2600 including a double cut guide 504 and a plurality ofsingle cut guides 104. In this embodiment, the double cut guide 504 andone single cut guide 104 are located/positioned on a cutting platform2602 toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110 and a plurality ofsingle cut guides 104 are located/positioned on the cutting platform2602 toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108. Further, the double cutguide 504 is located/positioned to the right of the single cut guide 104on the metatarsal fixation platform 110 side of the cutting platform2602.

In some embodiments, the double cut guide 504 and the single cut guides104 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angled toward the left ortoward the right with respect to the user (e.g., a medicalprofessional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the double cut guide 504and the single cut guide 104 on the same side of the positioning slot106 are angled in the same direction, the plurality of single cut guides104 on the opposite side of the positioning slot 106 are angled in thedirection as one another and a different direction than the double cutguide 504 and the single cut guide 104.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the double cut guide 504 andthe single cut guide 104 are positioned on the cutting platform 1402such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)), and(θ_(x3)) created between the double cut guide 504 and the single cutguide 104 and the other plurality of single cut guides 104, which may beany suitable angle. In various embodiments, the respective angles (θ₁),(θ₂), (θ₃), (θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)), and (θ_(x3)) may each be in the range ofabout 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock 2700 including a plurality of double cut guides 504 and a singlecut guide 104. In this embodiment, one double cut guide 504 and thesingle cut guide 104 are located/positioned on a cutting platform 2702toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108 and a plurality of double cutguides 504 are located/positioned on the cutting platform 2702 towardthe metatarsal fixation platform 110. Further, the double cut guide 504is located/positioned to the right of the single cut guide 104 on thecuneiform fixation platform 108 side of the cutting platform 2702.

In some embodiments, the double cut guides 504 and the single cut guide104 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angled toward the left ortoward the right with respect to the user (e.g., a medicalprofessional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the double cut guide 504and the single cut guide 104 on the same side of the positioning slot106 are angled in the same direction and the plurality of double cutguides 504 on the opposite side of the positioning slot 106 are angledin a different direction.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the double cut guide 504 andthe single cut guide 104 are positioned on the cutting platform 1402such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ₅), (θ₆),(θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)), (θ_(x3)), (θ_(y1)), (θ_(y2)), and (θ_(y3)) createdbetween the double cut guide 504 and the single cut guide 104 and theplurality of double cut guides 504, which may be any suitable angle. Invarious embodiments, the respective angles (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ₅),(θ₆), (θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)), (θ_(x3)), (θ_(y1)), (θ_(y2)), and (θ_(y3)) mayeach be in the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block 2800 including a plurality of double cut guides 504 and asingle cut guide 104. In this embodiment, one double cut guide 504 andthe single cut guide 104 are located/positioned on a cutting platform2802 toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110 and a plurality ofdouble cut guides 504 are located/positioned on the cutting platform2802 toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108. Further, the double cutguide 504 is located/positioned to the right of the single cut guide 104on the metatarsal fixation platform 110 side of the cutting platform2802.

In some embodiments, the double cut guides 504 and the single cut guide104 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angled toward the left ortoward the right with respect to the user (e.g., a medicalprofessional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the double cut guide 504and the single cut guide 104 on the same side of the positioning slot106 are angled in the same direction and the plurality of double cutguides 504 on the opposite side of the positioning slot 106 are angledin a different direction.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the double cut guide 504 andthe single cut guide 104 are positioned on the cutting platform 1402such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ₅), (θ₆),(θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)), (θ_(y1)), (θ_(y2)), (θ_(z1)), and (θ_(z2)) createdbetween the double cut guide 504 and the single cut guide 104 and theplurality of double cut guides 504, which may be any suitable angle. Invarious embodiments, the respective angles (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ₅),(θ₆), (θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)), (θ_(y1)), (θ_(y1)), (θ_(z1)), and (θ_(z2)) mayeach be in the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block 2900 including a double cut guide 504 and a plurality ofsingle cut guides 104. In this embodiment, the double cut guide 504 andone single cut guide 104 are located/positioned on a cutting platform2902 toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108 and a plurality ofsingle cut guides 104 are located/positioned on the cutting platform2902 toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110. Further, the doublecut guide 504 is located/positioned to the left of the single cut guide104 on the cuneiform fixation platform 108 side of the cutting platform2902.

In some embodiments, the double cut guide 504 and the single cut guides104 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angled toward the left ortoward the right with respect to the user (e.g., a medicalprofessional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the double cut guide 504and the single cut guide 104 on the same side of the positioning slot106 are angled in the same direction, the plurality of single cut guides104 on the opposite side of the positioning slot 106 are angled in thedirection as one another and a different direction than the double cutguide 504 and the single cut guide 104.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the double cut guide 504 andthe single cut guide 104 are positioned on the cutting platform 1402such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)), and(θ_(x3)) created between the double cut guide 504 and the single cutguide 104 and the other plurality of single cut guides 104, which may beany suitable angle. In various embodiments, the respective angles (θ₁),(θ₂), (θ₃), (θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)), and (θ_(x3)) may each be in the range ofabout 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block 3000 including a double cut guide 504 and a plurality ofsingle cut guides 104. In this embodiment, the double cut guide 504 andone single cut guide 104 are located/positioned on a cutting platform3002 toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110 and a plurality ofsingle cut guides 104 are located/positioned on the cutting platform3002 toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108. Further, the double cutguide 504 is located/positioned to the left of the single cut guide 104on the metatarsal fixation platform 110 side of the cutting platform3002.

In some embodiments, the double cut guide 504 and the single cut guides104 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angled toward the left ortoward the right with respect to the user (e.g., a medicalprofessional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the double cut guide 504and the single cut guide 104 on the same side of the positioning slot106 are angled in the same direction, the plurality of single cut guides104 on the opposite side of the positioning slot 106 are angled in thedirection as one another and a different direction than the double cutguide 504 and the single cut guide 104.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the double cut guide 504 andthe single cut guide 104 are positioned on the cutting platform 1402such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)), and(θ_(x3)) created between the double cut guide 504 and the single cutguide 104 and the other plurality of single cut guides 104, which may beany suitable angle. In various embodiments, the respective angles (θ₁),(θ₂), (θ₃), (θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)), and (θ_(x3)) may each be in the range ofabout 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock 3100 including a plurality of double cut guides 504 and a singlecut guide 104. In this embodiment, one double cut guide 504 and thesingle cut guide 104 are located/positioned on a cutting platform 3102toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108 and a plurality of double cutguides 504 are located/positioned on the cutting platform 3102 towardthe metatarsal fixation platform 110. Further, the double cut guide 504is located/positioned to the left of the single cut guide 104 on thecuneiform fixation platform 108 side of the cutting platform 3102.

In some embodiments, the double cut guides 504 and the single cut guide104 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angled toward the left ortoward the right with respect to the user (e.g., a medicalprofessional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the double cut guide 504and the single cut guide 104 on the same side of the positioning slot106 are angled in the same direction and the plurality of double cutguides 504 on the opposite side of the positioning slot 106 are angledin a different direction.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the double cut guide 504 andthe single cut guide 104 are positioned on the cutting platform 1402such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ₅), (θ₆),(θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)), (θ_(x3)), (θ_(x4)), (θ_(x5)), and (θ_(x6)) createdbetween the double cut guide 504 and the single cut guide 104 and theplurality of double cut guides 504, which may be any suitable angle. Invarious embodiments, the respective angles (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ₅),(θ₆), (NO, (θ_(x2)), (θ_(x3)), (θ_(x4)), (θ_(x5)), and (θ_(x6)) may eachbe in the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block 3200 including a plurality of double cut guides 504 and asingle cut guide 104. In this embodiment, one double cut guide 504 andthe single cut guide 104 are located/positioned on a cutting platform3202 toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110 and a plurality ofdouble cut guides 504 are located/positioned on the cutting platform3202 toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108. Further, the double cutguide 504 is located/positioned to the left of the single cut guide 104on the metatarsal fixation platform 110 side of the cutting platform3202.

In some embodiments, the double cut guides 504 and the single cut guide104 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angled toward the left ortoward the right with respect to the user (e.g., a medicalprofessional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the double cut guide 504and the single cut guide 104 on the same side of the positioning slot106 are angled in the same direction and the plurality of double cutguides 504 on the opposite side of the positioning slot 106 are angledin a different direction.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the double cut guide 504 andthe single cut guide 104 are positioned on the cutting platform 1402such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ₅), (θ₆),(θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)), (θ_(x3)), (θ_(x4)), (θ_(x5)), and (θ_(x6)) createdbetween the double cut guide 504 and the single cut guide 104 and theplurality of double cut guides 504, which may be any suitable angle. Invarious embodiments, the respective angles (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ₅),(θ₆), (NO, (θ_(x2)), (θ_(x3)), (θ_(x4)), (θ_(x5)), and (θ_(x6)) may eachbe in the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock 3300 including a multi-cut guide 3304 and a single cut guide 104.In this embodiment, the multi-cut guide 3304 is located/positioned onthe cutting platform 102 toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108 andthe single cut guide 104 is located/positioned on a cutting platform3202 toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110.

The multi-cut guide 3304 includes three or more paths that can includeany suitable size and/or width capable of accepting a surgical cuttingtool (e.g., a scalpel, surgical knife, etc.) and provide a respectivepath for the surgical cutting tool to follow while the surgical cuttingtool is being used to produce an incision in a patient. The multi-cutguide 3304 includes an angle, which can be any suitable angle (e.g., anangle in the range of about one degree (1°) to about 90 degrees)(90°)with respect to any suitable reference point that can provide apredetermined and/or target path for the surgical cutting tool to followwhile the surgical cutting tool is cutting a patient and/or performing asurgical procedure. Further, the angle between each respective pair ofpaths may be any suitable angle.

In some embodiments, the multi-cut guide 3304 and the single cut guide104 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angled toward the left ortoward the right with respect to the user (e.g., a medicalprofessional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-cut guide 3304and the single cut guide 104 are angled in different directions.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the multi-cut guide 3304 andthe single cut guide 104 are positioned on the cutting platform 1402such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), and (θ_(x)) created between themulti-cut guide 3304 and the single cut guide 104, which may be anysuitable angle. In various embodiments, the respective angles (θ₁),(θ₂), and (θ_(x)) may each be in the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block 3400 including a multi-cut guide 3304 and a single cutguide 104. In this embodiment, the multi-cut guide 3304 islocated/positioned on a cutting platform 3402 toward the metatarsalfixation platform 110 and the single cut guide 104 is located/positionedon the cutting platform 3402 toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108.

In some embodiments, the multi-cut guide 3304 and the single cut guide104 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angled toward the left ortoward the right with respect to the user (e.g., a medicalprofessional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-cut guide 3304and the single cut guide 104 are angled in different directions.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the multi-cut guide 3304 andthe single cut guide 104 are positioned on the cutting platform 1402such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), and (θ_(x)) created between themulti-cut guide 3304 and the single cut guide 104, which may be anysuitable angle. In various embodiments, the respective angles (θ₁),(θ₂), and (θ_(x)) may each be in the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock 3500 including a multi-cut guide 3304 and a plurality of singlecut guides 104. In this embodiment, the multi-cut guide 3304 islocated/positioned on a cutting platform 3502 toward the cuneiformfixation platform 108 and the plurality of single cut guides 104 arelocated/positioned on the cutting platform 3502 toward the metatarsalfixation platform 110.

In some embodiments, the multi-cut guide 3304 and the plurality ofsingle cut guides 104 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angledtoward the left or toward the right with respect to the user (e.g., amedical professional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-cutguide 3304 and the plurality of single cut guides 104 are angled indifferent directions.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the multi-cut guide 3304 andthe plurality of single cut guides 104 are positioned on the cuttingplatform 1402 such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄),(θ_(x1)), and (θ_(x2)) created between the multi-cut guide 3304 and theplurality of single cut guides 104, which may be any suitable angle. Invarious embodiments, the respective angles (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄),(θ_(x1)), and (θ_(x2)) may each be in the range of about 15° to about75°.

FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block 3600 including a multi-cut guide 3304 and a plurality ofsingle cut guides 104. In this embodiment, the multi-cut guide 3304 islocated/positioned on a cutting platform 3602 toward the metatarsalfixation platform 110 and the plurality of single cut guides 104 arelocated/positioned on the cutting platform 3602 toward the cuneiformfixation platform 108.

In some embodiments, the multi-cut guide 3304 and the plurality ofsingle cut guides 104 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angledtoward the left or toward the right with respect to the user (e.g., amedical professional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-cutguide 3304 and the plurality of single cut guides 104 are angled indifferent directions.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the multi-cut guide 3304 andthe plurality of single cut guides 104 are positioned on the cuttingplatform 1402 such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄),(θ^(x1)), and (θ_(x2)) created between the multi-cut guide 3304 and theplurality of single cut guides 104, which may be any suitable angle. Invarious embodiments, the respective angles (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄),(θ_(x1)), and (θ_(x2)) may each be in the range of about 15° to about75°.

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock 3700 including a multi-cut guide 3304 and a double cut guide 504.In this embodiment, the multi-cut guide 3304 is located/positioned on acutting platform 3702 toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108 and thedouble cut guide 504 is located/positioned on the cutting platform 3702toward the metatarsal fixation platform 110.

In some embodiments, the multi-cut guide 3304 and the double cut guide504 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angled toward the left ortoward the right with respect to the user (e.g., a medicalprofessional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-cut guide 3304and the double cut guide 504 are angled in different directions.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the multi-cut guide 3304 andthe double cut guide 504 are positioned on the cutting platform 1402such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ_(x1)), and(θ_(x2)) created between the multi-cut guide 3304 and the double cutguide 504, which may be any suitable angle. In various embodiments, therespective angles (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ_(x1)), and (θ_(x2)) mayeach be in the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalcutting block 3800 including a multi-cut guide 3304 and a double cutguide 504. In this embodiment, the multi-cut guide 3304 islocated/positioned on a cutting platform 3802 toward the metatarsalfixation platform 110 and the double cut guide 504 is located/positionedon the cutting platform 3802 toward the cuneiform fixation platform 108.

In some embodiments, the multi-cut guide 3304 and the double cut guide504 are angled in the same direction (e.g., angled toward the left ortoward the right with respect to the user (e.g., a medicalprofessional)). In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-cut guide 3304and the double cut guide 504 are angled in different directions.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the multi-cut guide 3304 andthe double cut guide 504 are positioned on the cutting platform 1402such that there is an angle (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ_(x1)), and(θ_(x2)) created between the multi-cut guide 3304 and the double cutguide 504, which may be any suitable angle. In various embodiments, therespective angles (θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ_(x1)), and (θ_(x2)) mayeach be in the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical cuttingblock 3900 including a plurality of multi-cut guides 3304. In thisembodiment, a multi-cut guide 3304 is located/positioned on a cuttingplatform 3902 on both sides of the positioning slot 106.

In some embodiments, the multi-cut guides 3304 are angled in the samedirection (e.g., angled toward the left or toward the right with respectto the user (e.g., a medical professional)). In the illustratedembodiment, the multi-cut guides 3304 are angled in differentdirections.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the multi-cut guides 3304 arepositioned on the cutting platform 1402 such that there is an angle(θ₁), (θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)), (θ_(x3)), (θ_(x4)), and(θ_(x5)) created between the multi-cut guides 3304, which may be anysuitable angle. In various embodiments, the respective angles (θ₁),(θ₂), (θ₃), (θ₄), (θ_(x1)), (θ_(x2)), (θ_(x3)), (θ_(x4)), and (θ_(x5))may each be in the range of about 15° to about 75°.

FIG. 40A is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a positioning fin4000. The positioning guide 4000 may include any shape and/or size thatcan be accommodated by a positioning slot 106.

Further, the positioning guide 4000 may include and/or be formed of anysuitable material. In some embodiments, the positioning guide 4000includes a sterilizable material.

FIG. 40B is a diagram illustrating a profile view of the positioning finillustrated in FIG. 40A. FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating that oppositesides of surgical cutting blocks 100 through 3900 can be used on theleft foot and/or the right foot of a patient.

The positioning guide 4000 and the positioning slot 106 are configuredto cooperatively prepare a cuneiform-metatarsal joint for a surgicalprocedure. In some embodiments, the positioning guide 4000 and thepositioning slot 106 are configured to cooperatively guide thepositioning of a surgical cutting block (e.g., surgical cutting blocks100 through 3900) at a cuneiform-metatarsal joint in preparation for asurgical procedure (e.g., a surgery to correct a bunion).

A cutting platform (e.g., cutting platforms 102 through 3902) allows acut guide (e.g., single cut guide(s) 104, double cut guide(s) 504,and/or multi-cut guide(s) 3304) to sit close to a bone surface. Surgicalcutting blocks 100 through 3900 may be placed in the correct position byplacing the positioning fin 4000 through the positioning slot 106 in thecutting portion (see, e.g., FIGS. 42A & 42B). The positioning fin 4000is placed through the positioning slot 106 to allow the cut guide toplaced centrally on a joint.

The cut guides are held in place using pins driven through the wireholes 112 into the cuneiform and metatarsal. Some wire holes 112 mayinclude an angle while others are perpendicular to the surface of a cutguide.

FIG. 43A is a diagram illustrating a non-planar view of one embodimentof a surgical jig 4300 and FIG. 43B is a diagram illustrating a top viewof the surgical jig 4300. At least in the illustrated embodiment, thesurgical jig 4300 includes, among other components, an attachment body4302, a rail body 4304, a distraction body 4308 coupled to a set ofdistraction threads 4306, a rail hinge 4310, a metatarsal contact 4312,an arm 4314, an attachment screw 4316, a rail adjustment screw 4318, anda rotation guide 4320.

The surgical jig 4300 may be formed of any suitable material (e.g., ametal, an alloy, a plastic, a composite, and/or a graphite material,etc., among other materials that are possible and contemplated herein).In certain embodiments, the material included in and/or forming thesurgical jig 4300 is sterilizable.

In certain embodiments, the attachment body 4302, rail body 4304, set ofdistraction threads 4306, distraction body 4308, rail hinge 4310,metatarsal contact 4312, arm 4314, attachment screw 4316, railadjustment screw 4318, and rotation guide 4320 all include and/or areformed of the same or substantially the same material(s). In otherembodiments, at least two of the attachment body 4302, rail body 4304,set of distraction threads 4306, distraction body 4308, rail hinge 4310,metatarsal contact 4312, arm 4314, attachment screw 4316, railadjustment screw 4318, and rotation guide 4320 include and/or are formedof the same or substantially the same material(s).

In some embodiments, the attachment body 4302, rail body 4304, set ofdistraction threads 4306, distraction body 4308, rail hinge 4310,metatarsal contact 4312, arm 4314, attachment screw 4316, railadjustment screw 4318, and rotation guide 4320 all include and/or areformed of different materials. In other embodiments, at least two of theattachment body 4302, rail body 4304, set of distraction threads 4306,distraction body 4308, rail hinge 4310, metatarsal contact 4312, arm4314, attachment screw 4316, rail adjustment screw 4318, and rotationguide 4320 include and/or are formed of different materials.

The surgical jig 4300 may include any suitable dimensions capable offacilitating its various functions in performing an osteotomy. That is,the surgical jig 4300 and/or its various components may include anysuitable length, width, height, and/or diameter, etc., among otherdimensions that are possible and contemplated herein.

In various embodiments, the attachment body 4302 is configured to attachthe surgical jig 4300 to a cuneiform of a patient. The attachment body4302 includes a set of apertures in which one or more of the aperturesare angled apertures and one or more of the apertures are straightapertures. Surgical pins can be inserted through the apertures and intothe patient's cuneiform to attach the surgical jig 4300 to thecuneiform.

The rail body 4304, in certain embodiments, includes a shape configuredto run adjacent to a first metatarsal of the patient. Movement of therail body 4304 is controlled by the rail adjustment screw 4318 so thatthe distraction body 4308 and/or the metatarsal contact 4312 can applyforce on the patient's metatarsal to correct its position. The rail body4304 can also act as a housing for the set of distraction threads 4306so that when a knob 4322 coupled to the set of distraction threads 4306is turned, the distraction body 4308 to move to compress and compact thepatient's cuneiform-metatarsal joint.

The function of the rotation guide 4320 may also be dependent on thedistraction body 4308. Here, as the distraction body 4308 moves alongthe rail body 4304, the distraction body 4308 provides stability to therotation guide 4320 to hold any rotation created by the rotation guidein a patient's metatarsal. In some embodiments, the rail body 4304includes a set of notches that allow for the removal of the rotationguide 4320.

The knob 4322, the set of distraction threads 4306, and the distractionbody 4308 are configured to cooperatively function to compress ordistract the cuneiform-metatarsal joint of a patient. The rotation ofthe knob 4322 rotates the set of distraction threads 4306, which arecoupled to the distraction body 4308, and moves the distraction body4308 along the rail body 4304. When pins are placed through thedistraction body 4308 and into the patient's metatarsal, movement of thedistraction body 4308 along the rail body 4304 will result in the jointbeing compressed or distracted.

As shown, the distraction body 4308 is threaded onto the set ofdistraction threads 4306 and the set of distraction threads 4306 use thelength of the rail body 4304 as a path to move along when the knob 4322is turned. A set of holes through the distraction body 4308 allow for aset of pins to be placed into the patient's metatarsal for compactionand/or distraction.

The rail hinge 4310 may include any suitable hinging mechanism that canallow the rail body 4304 to pivot laterally. In certain embodiments, therail hinge 4310 includes a bolt attaching the rail body 4304 and the arm4314, which can allow the arm 4314 to rotate and/or pivot freely. Insome embodiments, the arm 4314 can be removed so that the surgical jig4300 can be reassembled into a right or left configuration forperforming a procedure on a right foot or a left foot, as discussed ingreater detail below with reference to FIG. 44 .

A metatarsal contact 4312 includes a rotating piece and/or mechanismwith a shape configured to match the curvature of a patient'smetatarsal. The curvature is configured to prevent slipping whencorrecting the position and/or angle of the patient's metatarsal. Therotation allows the curvature of the metatarsal contact 4312 to wraparound at least a portion of the target bone for various placements ofthe surgical jig 4300.

The arm 4314 is configured to hold the rail adjustment screw 4318 sothat the rail adjustment screw 4318 can push the rail body 4304 when therail adjustment screw 4318 is rotated. The arm 4314 is a structuralpiece that is coupled to the attachment body 4302, rail body 4304, andrail adjustment screw 4318. The arm 4314, in some embodiments, isfurther configured for use in switching between the left and rightconfigurations illustrated in FIG. 44 .

The attachment screw 4316 is configured to lock the rotation of the arm4314 around the attachment body 4302. The attachment screw 4316 mayinclude any suitable mechanism capable of locking the rotation of thearm 4314 around the attachment body 4302.

The rail adjustment screw 4318 is configured to apply a force to therail body 4304 to push/move the rail body 4304 laterally. Laterallypushing and/or moving the rail body 4304, in turn, causes the rail body4304 to laterally push and/or move the patient's metatarsal.

The rotation guide 4320 is configured to hold any amount of rotationapplied to the patient's metatarsal. The rotation guide 4320, in variousembodiments, includes a set of slots or notches through which a wire maybe placed therethrough. The wire can be rotated and locked into thedesired slot to hold a target amount of rotation applied to thepatient's metatarsal. Alternatively, a wire can be placed through asliding construct on the rotation guide 4320 and the patient'smetatarsal can be locked into a target rotated position when the wire isat its desired rotated position.

Referring to FIG. 44 , FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating an embodimentof an adjustable surgical jig 4300. At least in the illustratedembodiment, the surgical jig 4300 is configured for use in performing anosteotomy on a left foot and/or a right foot.

The surgical jig 4300 can be adjusted by removing the rail screw 4310and the attachment screw 4316 so that the orientation of the arm 4314can be changed (e.g., turned over) to the desired orientation. In thisembodiment, a metatarsal contact 4312 is included on both sides of thedistraction body 4308. Here, a single surgical jig 4300 can be utilizedto perform an osteotomy on both feet of a patient.

FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a surgical jig 4300configured to adjust vertically (e.g., from the cuneiform). The rotationat the junction of the attachment body 4302 and the arm 4314 allowsand/or enables the surgical jig 4300 to be vertically positioned so thatthe patient's metatarsal rests in the curvature and/or groove of themetatarsal contact 4312. The rotation created at the junction of theattachment body 4302 and the arm 4314 can be locked by tightening theattachment screw 4316.

FIG. 46 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical jigincluding a rotatable metatarsal contact 4312. In various embodiments,the metatarsal contact 4312, in addition to the positional function ofthe metatarsal contact 4312 discussed above, is configured to freelyrotate. Rotating the metatarsal contact 4312 can allow/enable the bestand/or proper fitment of the metatarsal contact 4312 with the patient'smetatarsal.

FIGS. 47A and 47B are diagram illustrating an embodiment of the surgicaljig 4300 configured to laterally move a patient's metatarsal (e.g.,adjust the intermetatarsal (IM) angle) between various positions. Here,the attachment body 4302 is fixed and/or attached to the patient'scuneiform. The angle of the patient's metatarsal can be corrected byturning the rail adjustment screw 4318. The rail adjustment screw 4318applies force to and pushes the rail body 4304 from a first position(see, e.g., FIG. 47A) to a second position (see, e.g., FIG. 47B), whichin turn can cause the patient's metatarsal to change positions becausethe patient's metatarsal is in contact with the moving rail body 4304via the metatarsal contact 4312.

FIG. 48A is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical jig 4300configured to rotate a patient's metatarsal. Further, FIG. 48B is adiagram illustrating a surgical jig 4300 including a locking mechanism4802 for at least temporarily locking a rotated position of thepatient's metatarsal.

A wire 4804 or other suitable type of lever is placed through a slot inthe rotation guide 4320 and into the patient's metatarsal. The wire 4804can then be used to rotate the patient's metatarsal to a targetrotational position. The rotation of the patient's metatarsal can thenbe locked into place (e.g., into one or the slots) via coupling thelocking mechanism 4802 to the rotation guide 4320.

FIGS. 49A and 49B are diagram illustrating an embodiment of removal of arotation guide 4320 from a surgical jig 4300. After the lockingmechanism 4802, wire 4804, and rotation guide 4320 rotate the patient'smetatarsal to the target rotational position, a set of pins are placedthrough a set of apertures formed in the distraction body 4308 tofurther lock the patient's metatarsal in its rotational position. Thewire 4804 used in the rotation guide 4320 can then be removed from therotation guide 4320 and the set of pins through the distraction body4308 can hold the patient's metatarsal in place. The rotation guide 4320can then be removed or left in place.

To remove rotation guide 4320, a tab 4902 on the bottom of the rotationguide 4320 can be aligned with a notch 4904 in the rail body 4304, asshown in FIG. 49A. Once the tab 4902 and the notch 4904 are aligned, therotation guide 4320 can be removed by pulling up on the rotation guide4320.

FIGS. 50A and 50B are diagrams illustrating one embodiment of a surgicaljig 4300 including a distraction body 4308 configured to compress and/ordistract the cuneiform-metatarsal joint of a patient. During operation,the knob 4322 coupled to the set of distraction threads 4306 can berotated to move the distraction body 4308 along the rail body 4304,which acts as a rail and/or path. When one or more pins are placedthrough one or more apertures formed on the distraction body 4308 andinto a patient's metatarsal, the turning of the knob 4322 (and the setof distraction threads 4306) causes the distraction body 4308 to move,which causes compression or distraction of the patient'scuneiform-metatarsal joint depending on the direction that thedistraction body 4308 is moving. That is, the patient'scuneiform-metatarsal joint is compressed when the distraction body 4308is moved along the rail body 4304 toward the rotation guide 4320 (see,e.g., FIG. 50A) and distracted when the distraction body 4308 is movedalong the rail body 4304 away from the rotation guide 4320 (see, e.g.,FIG. 50B).

FIG. 51 is a block diagram of one embodiment of an osteotomy cuttingsystem 5100. At least in the illustrated embodiment, the osteotomycutting system 5100 includes, among other components, a surgical cuttingblock 5102, a positioning guide 5104, and a surgical jig 5106.

In various embodiments, the surgical cutting block 5102 can include anyof the surgical cutting blocks 100 through 3900 discussed above withreference to FIGS. 1 through 39 . Similarly, various embodiments of thepositioning guide 5104 can include any of the positioning guides 4000discussed above with reference to FIGS. 40A and 40B. Further, variousembodiments of the surgical jig 5106 can include any of the surgicaljigs 4300 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 43 through 50B.

FIG. 52A is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a technique ormethod 5200A for performing an osteotomy. At least in the illustratedembodiment, method 5200A begins by a medical professional (e.g., asurgeon) attaching a surgical jig 5106 (e.g., any of the surgical jigs4300 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 43 through 50B) to apatient's cuneiform (block 5202). The surgical jig 5106 can be attachedby placing one or more surgical pins through the designated aperture(s)in the attachment body 4302 of the surgical jig 5106.

The surgical jig 5106 is then aligned with the patient's metatarsal(block 5204). Alignment can be achieved by rotating the surgical jig5106 at the joint between the attachment body 4302 and the arm 4314until the metatarsal contact 4312 fits around the curvature of themetatarsal. This rotation can then be locked in place by tightening therail hinge 4310.

Next, the intermetatarsal (IM) angle of the patient's metatarsal iscorrected (block 5206). The IM angle of the patient's metatarsal iscorrected with respect to the midline of the cuneiform by turning therail adjustment screw 4318. The patient's metatarsal is then rotatedutilizing a wire 4804 placed through the rotation guide 4320 (block5208).

In some embodiments, the order of blocks 5206 and 5208 are reversed.That is, the patient's metatarsal is rotated utilizing the wire 4804placed through the rotation guide 4320 (block 5208) and then the IMangle of the patient's metatarsal is corrected (block 5206).

The rotated position of the patient's metatarsal is locked using asurgical pin through the distraction body 4308 (block 5210). Therotation guide 4320 can be removed once the position is locked if morevisibility is needed.

A positioning guide 5104 (e.g., positioning guide 4000) is placed intothe patient's cuneiform-metatarsal joint (block 5212). A surgicalcutting block 5102 (e.g., surgical cutting blocks 100 through 3900) isaligned and placed over the joint with the positioning guide 5104sliding through the positioning slot 106 (block 5214). The surgicalcutting block 5102 is then secured to the bone (block 5216) and thepositioning guide 5104 removed (block 5218).

The patient's joint is surgically cut to a target angle (block 5220) andthe surgical cutting block 5102 is removed (block 5222). The patient'sjoint is then distracted (block 5224). Distraction can be achieved byrotating the distraction threads 4306 to move the distraction body 4308in the distraction direction.

Any leftover bone from the cutting may then be removed (block 5226). Thejoint is then prepared to surgeons' preference (block 5228).

Next, the patient's joint is compacted (block 5230). Compaction isachieved by rotating the distraction threads 4306 to move thedistraction body 4308 in the compaction direction, which is the oppositedirection of distraction, until the desired compression is obtained.

The joint is then fixated (block 5232). The joint can be permanently ortemporarily fixated in block 5232 and the surgical jig 5106 is thenremoved (block 5234).

If the joint is temporarily fixated in block 5232, the joint ispermanently fixated (block 5236). After the joint is permanentlyfixated, the temporary fixation can be removed (block 5238).

FIG. 52B is a flow diagram illustrating another embodiment of a method5200B for performing an osteotomy. In various embodiments, method 5200Bincludes blocks 5202, 5204, 5206/5208, 5208/5206, 5210, 5212, 5214,5216, 5218, 5220, 5222, 5224, 5226, 5228, 5230, 5232, 5234, 5236, and5238 similar to the method 5200A discussed above.

In addition, the method 5200B includes removing the rotation guide 4320once the position of the patient's metatarsal is locked in block 5210(block 5211). The rotation guide 4320 may be removed if more visibilityis needed.

FIG. 53A is a flow diagram illustrating another embodiment of a method5300A for performing an osteotomy. At least in the illustratedembodiment, method 5300A begins by a medical professional (e.g., asurgeon) attaching a surgical jig 5106 (e.g., any of the surgical jigs4300 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 43 through 50B) to apatient's cuneiform (block 5302). The surgical jig 5106 can be attachedby placing one or more surgical pins through the designated aperture(s)in the attachment body 4302 of the surgical jig 5106.

The surgical jig 5106 is then aligned with the patient's metatarsal(block 5304) and the alignment is locked in place (block 5306).Alignment can be achieved by rotating the surgical jig 5106 at the jointbetween the attachment body 4302 and the arm 4314 until the metatarsalcontact 4312 fits around the curvature of the metatarsal. This rotationcan then be locked in place by tightening the rail hinge 4310.

Next, the intermetatarsal (IM) angle of the patient's metatarsal iscorrected (block 5308). The IM angle of the patient's metatarsal iscorrected with respect to the midline of the cuneiform by turning therail adjustment screw 4318. The patient's metatarsal is rotatedutilizing a wire 4804 placed through the rotation guide 4320 (block5310).

In some embodiments, the order of blocks 5308 and 5310 are reversed.That is, the patient's metatarsal is rotated utilizing the wire 4804placed through the rotation guide 4320 (block 5310) and then the IMangle of the patient's metatarsal is corrected (block 5308).

The rotated position of the patient's metatarsal is locked using asurgical pin through the distraction body 4308 (block 5312). Therotation guide 4320 can be removed once the position is locked if morevisibility is needed.

The medical professional can then surgically cut the bone (block 5314).The bone can be surgically cut using a surgical instrument (e.g., acutting guide) and/or done free handedly.

The patient's joint is then distracted (block 5316). Distraction can beachieved by rotating the distraction threads 4306 to move thedistraction body 4308 in the distraction direction.

Any leftover bone from the cutting may then be removed (block 5318). Thejoint is then prepared to surgeons' preference (block 5320).

Next, the patient's joint is compacted (block 5322). Compaction isachieved by rotating the distraction threads 4306 to move thedistraction body 4308 in the compaction direction, which is the oppositedirection of distraction, until the desired compression is obtained.

The joint is then fixated (block 5324). The joint can be permanently ortemporarily fixated in block 5324 and the surgical jig 5106 is thenremoved (block 5326).

If the joint is temporarily fixated in block 5324, the joint ispermanently fixated (block 5328). After the joint is permanentlyfixated, the temporary fixation can be removed (block 5330).

FIG. 52B is a flow diagram illustrating another embodiment of a method5200B for performing an osteotomy. In various embodiments, method 5200Bincludes blocks 5302, 5304, 5306, 5308/5310, 5310/5308, 5312, 5314,5316, 5318, 5320, 5322, 5324, 5326, 5328, and 5330 similar to the method5300A discussed above.

In addition, the method 5300B includes removing the rotation guide 4320once the position of the patient's metatarsal is locked in block 5312(block 5313). The rotation guide 4320 may be removed if more visibilityis needed.

FIG. 54A is a diagram of one embodiment of a positioning device 5400A(or positioner 5400A). The positioning device 5400A, in someembodiments, is an independent device that is capable of being attachedand detached (e.g., is detachably coupleable) to a surgical deviceand/or instrument (e.g., surgical jig 4300). In additional oralternative embodiments, the positioning device 5400A is fixed, coupledto, and/or forms at least a portion of a surgical jig 4300.

The positioning device 5400A and/or each portion of the positioningdevice 5400A may be formed of any suitable material and/or combinationof materials that is/are known or developed in the future. In certainembodiments, the material(s) included in and/or forming the positioningdevice 5400A and/or portion(s) thereof is/are sterilizable.

At least in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 54A, the positioningdevice 5400A includes, among other features, elements, and/orcomponents, a securing device 5402, a body 5404A, and a tuner 5408A thatis/are configured to be operable with one or more fixation devices 5410.

A securing device 5402 may include any suitable device/apparatus/systemand/or component(s) capable of fixedly and/or detachably coupling thepositioning device 5400A to a surgical jig 4300. At least in theillustrated embodiment, the securing device 5402 includes a clamp (e.g.,a C-clamp, etc.), which can include a knob for tightening/loosening theclamp.

While the securing device 5402 is shown as including a C-clamp, thevarious embodiments are not limited to a C-clamp. That is, various otherembodiments can include other securing mechanisms and/or types ofsecuring mechanisms (e.g., a spring clamp, bench clamp, G-clamp, strapclamp, pipe clamp, wire rope clamp, action clamp, locking clamp, hoseclamp, screw clamp, hand screw clamp, and a fastener, etc., among otherdevice/apparatus/system and/or component(s) capable or coupling thepositioning device 5400A to a surgical jig 4300 that are possible andcontemplated herein).

A body 5404A may include any suitable structure (e.g., size, shape,and/or dimension(s) that is/are known or developed in the future capableof performing the functions discussed herein. In various embodiments,the body 5404A (or housing) may include an inner wall defining aboundary of an aperture 5406 configured to house the tuner 5408A.

In various embodiments, the inner wall of the body 5404A includes a setof grooves. As such, the grooved inner wall of the body 5404A andaperture 5406 are suitable for housing a threaded tuner 5408A, asdiscussed elsewhere herein. Further, the grooved inner wall of the body5404A and aperture 5406 are configured to suitably enable/allow athreaded tuner 5408A to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise therewith(e.g., screw in and screw out), as further discussed elsewhere herein.

A tuner 5408A may include any suitable device, apparatus, and/orstructure capable of at least temporarily housing one or more fixationdevices 5410. Further, a tuner 5408A may include any suitable device,apparatus, and/or structure that can enable and/or facilitate enablingthe fixation device 5410 to connect and/or couple to a bone of asubject. In various embodiments, the tuner 5408A comprises a rotationalactuator.

In various embodiments, the tuner 5408A includes an aperture 5412 and/orincludes a hollow portion 5412 for at least temporarily housing one ormore fixation devices 5410. In various embodiments, the aperture/hollowportion 5412 is configured to enable/allow the fixation device(s) 5410to be inserted in and removed from the tuner 5408A.

In some embodiments, the tuner 5408A includes a locking mechanism tolock and/or hold the fixation device(s) 5410 in place in theaperture/hollow portion 5412 after insertion and during use. In furtherembodiments, the tuner 5408A includes a releasing mechanism to releaseand/or unlock the fixation device(s) 5410 so that the fixation device(s)5410 can be removed from the aperture/hollow portion 5412 after use.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the tuner 5408A is threadedand/or includes a threaded portion 5414 to define a threaded tuner. Thethreads of the tuner 5408A function in cooperation/conjunction with thethreaded inner wall of the body 5404A to enable/allow the tuner 5408A totune and/or adjust the depth of the fixation device 5410 inserted in thebone of a subject and/or to adjust and/or facilitate adjusting theposition and/or location of the bone within which the fixation device5410 is inserted.

For example, the tuner 5408A can be rotated clockwise (orcounterclockwise) so that the threads of the tuner 5408A interact withthe grooves in the inner wall of the body 5404A to insert (e.g., screw,push, etc.) the fixation device 5410 into the bone and/or to move thebone laterally. In other words, the tuner 5408A can apply a force on thefixation device 5410 in a positive direction (e.g., a positive force) toinsert the fixation device 5410 into a bone (e.g., a metatarsal and/orthe first metatarsal) and/or to move the bone laterally and/or along atransverse plan. In some embodiments, the bone is a first metatarsal,and the positive direction is a direction toward another bone (e.g., ametatarsal and/or the second metatarsal) along the transverse plane. Inthis manner, space between the first and second metatarsals can bereduced and/or eliminated.

Additionally, the tuner 5408A can be rotated counterclockwise (orclockwise) so that the threads of the tuner 5408A interact with thegrooves in the inner wall of the body 5404A to remove (e.g., unscrew,pull, etc.) the fixation device 5410 from the bone and/or to move thebone laterally in the opposite direction. In other words, the tuner5408A can apply a force on the fixation device 5410 in a negativedirection (e.g., a negative force) to remove the fixation device 5410from a bone (e.g., a metatarsal and/or the first metatarsal) and/or tomove the bone laterally and/or along a transverse plan. In someembodiments, the bone is a first metatarsal, and the negative directionis a direction away from another bone (e.g., a metatarsal and/or thesecond metatarsal) along the transverse plane. In this manner, space canbe created between the first and second metatarsals and/or the spacebetween the first and second metatarsals can be increased.

The tuner 5408A can be rotated using any suitable device, mechanism,and/or structure that is known or developed in the future. At least inthe illustrated embodiment, the tuner 5408A includes a knob, among otherdevices, mechanisms, and/or structures that are possible, each or whichis contemplated herein.

A fixation device 5410 may include any device, apparatus, and/orstructure that is capable of performing the functions of a fixationdevice 5410 discussed herein. As such, a fixation device 5410 mayinclude any suitable fixation device that is known or developed in thefuture. In various embodiments, a fixation device 5410 is configured forinsertion into and removal from a bone (e.g., a metatarsal and/or thefirst metatarsal, etc.) and for moving the bone from a first position toa second position, which can include from an original position to a newor corrected position.

In some embodiments, the fixation device 5410 includes an olive wire.The olive wire can include an olive or stopper 5416 configured tofunction as a guide and/or depth gauge when the olive wire is insertedinto a bone.

The fixation device 5410, in other embodiments, includes a Kirschnerwire or K-wire. In other embodiments, the fixation device 5410 includesa screw, a pin, and/or a nail, etc., among other similar devices,apparatus, and/or structures that are possible, each of which iscontemplated herein.

With reference to FIG. 55A, in some embodiments, a fixation device 5410Aincludes an insertion portion 5502 that includes a smooth, substantiallysmooth, and/or non-threaded surface. In various embodiments, theinsertion portion 5502 defines a smooth, substantially smooth, and/ornon-threaded insertion portion.

Referring to FIG. 55B, in some embodiments, a fixation device 5410Bincludes an insertion portion 5504 that includes a threaded surface. Invarious embodiments, the insertion portion 5504 defines a threadedinsertion portion.

FIG. 54B is a diagram of another embodiment of a positioning device5400B (or positioner 5400B). The positioning device 5400B, in someembodiments, is an independent device that is capable of being attachedand detached (e.g., is detachably coupleable) to a surgical deviceand/or instrument (e.g., surgical jig 4300). In additional oralternative embodiments, the positioning device 5400B is fixed, coupledto, and/or forms at least a portion of a surgical jig 4300.

The positioning device 5400B and/or each portion of the positioningdevice 5400B may be formed of any suitable material and/or combinationof materials that is/are known or developed in the future. In certainembodiments, the material(s) included in and/or forming the positioningdevice 5400B and/or portion(s) thereof is/are sterilizable.

The positioning device 5400B includes a securing device 5402 similar tothe securing device 5402 discussed with reference to the positioningdevice 5400A. At least in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 54B, thepositioning device 5400B further includes, among other features,elements, and/or components, a body 5404B and a tuner 5408B that is/areconfigured to be operable with one or more fixation devices 5410, whichfixation device(s) 5410 can each be similar to the fixation device(s)5410 discussed with reference to the positioning device 5400A.

A body 5404B may include any suitable structure (e.g., size, shape,and/or dimension(s) that is/are known or developed in the future capableof performing the functions discussed herein. In various embodiments,the body 5404B (or housing) may include an inner wall defining aboundary of an aperture 5406 configured to house the tuner 5408B.

In various embodiments, the inner wall of the body 5404B is smooth,substantially smooth, or at least does not include a set of grooves. Assuch, the inner wall of the body 5404B and aperture 5406 are suitablefor housing a smooth, substantially smooth, and/or non-threaded tuner5408B, as discussed elsewhere herein. Further, the inner wall of thebody 5404A and aperture 5406 are configured to suitably enable/allow atuner 5408B to slide therein (e.g., slide in and slide out), as furtherdiscussed elsewhere herein.

A tuner 5408B may include any suitable device, apparatus, and/orstructure capable of at least temporarily housing one or more fixationdevices 5410. Further, a tuner 5408B may include any suitable device,apparatus, and/or structure that can enable and/or facilitate enablingthe fixation device 5410 to connect and/or couple to a bone of asubject. In various embodiments, the tuner 5408B comprises a slidingactuator.

In various embodiments, the tuner 5408B includes an aperture 5412 and/orincludes a hollow portion 5412 for at least temporarily housing one ormore fixation devices 5410. In various embodiments, the aperture/hollowportion 5412 is configured to enable/allow the fixation device(s) 5410to be inserted in and removed from the tuner 5408B.

In some embodiments, the tuner 5408B includes a locking mechanism tolock and/or hold the fixation device(s) 5410 in place in theaperture/hollow portion 5412 after insertion and during use. In furtherembodiments, the tuner 5408B includes a releasing mechanism to releaseand/or unlock the fixation device(s) 5410 so that the fixation device(s)5410 can be removed from the aperture/hollow portion 5412 after use.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the tuner 5408B is smooth,substantially smooth, and/or non-threaded and/or includes a smooth,substantially smooth, and/or non-threaded portion 5418 to define anon-threaded tuner. The tuner 5408B functions in cooperation/conjunctionwith the inner wall of the body 5404B to enable/allow the tuner 5408B totune and/or adjust the depth of the fixation device 5410 inserted in thebone of a subject and/or to adjust and/or facilitate adjusting theposition and/or location of the bone within which the fixation device5410 is inserted.

For example, the tuner 5408B can be slid laterally (e.g., pushed, etc.)to insert the fixation device 5410 into the bone and/or to move the bonelaterally. In other words, the tuner 5408B can apply a force on thefixation device 5410 in a positive direction (e.g., a positive force) toinsert the fixation device 5410 into a bone (e.g., a metatarsal and/orthe first metatarsal) and/or to move the bone laterally and/or along atransverse plan. In some embodiments, the bone is a first metatarsal,and the positive direction is a direction toward another bone (e.g., ametatarsal and/or the second metatarsal) along the transverse plane. Inthis manner, space between the first and second metatarsals can bereduced and/or eliminated.

Additionally, the tuner 5408B can be slide laterally (e.g., pulled,etc.) to remove the fixation device 5410 from the bone and/or to movethe bone laterally in the opposite direction. In other words, the tuner5408B can apply a force on the fixation device 5410 in a negativedirection (e.g., a negative force) to remove the fixation device 5410from a bone (e.g., a metatarsal and/or the first metatarsal) and/or tomove the bone laterally and/or along a transverse plan. In someembodiments, the bone is a first metatarsal, and the negative directionis a direction away from another bone (e.g., a metatarsal and/or thesecond metatarsal) along the transverse plane. In this manner, space canbe created between the first and second metatarsals and/or the spacebetween the first and second metatarsals can be increased.

The tuner 5408B can be pushed/pulled or slid using any suitable device,mechanism, and/or structure that is known or developed in the future. Atleast in the illustrated embodiment, the tuner 5408B includes a knob,among other devices, mechanisms, and/or structures that are possible,each or which is contemplated herein.

FIG. 54C is a diagram of another embodiment of a positioning device5400C (or positioner 5400C). The positioning device 5400C, in someembodiments, is an independent device that is capable of being attachedand detached (e.g., is detachably coupleable) to a surgical deviceand/or instrument (e.g., surgical jig 4300). In additional oralternative embodiments, the positioning device 5400C is fixed, coupledto, and/or forms at least a portion of a surgical jig 4300.

The positioning device 5400C and/or each portion of the positioningdevice 5400C may be formed of any suitable material and/or combinationof materials that is/are known or developed in the future. In certainembodiments, the material(s) included in and/or forming the positioningdevice 5400C and/or portion(s) thereof is/are sterilizable.

The positioning device 5400C includes a securing device 5402 and a body5404B similar to the securing device 5402 and the body 5404B discussedwith reference to the positioning device 5400B. Similar to theembodiments discussed above, the securing device 5402 and the body 5404Bis/are configured to be operable with one or more fixation devices 5410,which fixation device(s) 5410 can each be similar to the fixationdevice(s) 5410 discussed elsewhere herein.

In various embodiments, the inner wall of the body 5404B is configuredto enable/allow insertion of the fixation device 5410 into the bone of asubject. Further, the inner wall of the body 5404B is configured toenable/allow adjustment and/or facilitate adjustment of the positionand/or location of the bone within which the fixation device 5410 isinserted.

For example, the fixation device 5410 can be slid laterally (e.g.,pushed, etc.) to insert the fixation device 5410 into the bone and/or tomove the bone laterally. In other words, a force can be applied to thefixation device 5410 in a positive direction (e.g., a positive force) toinsert the fixation device 5410 into a bone (e.g., a metatarsal and/orthe first metatarsal) and/or to move the bone laterally and/or along atransverse plan. In some embodiments, the bone is a first metatarsal,and the positive direction is a direction toward another bone (e.g., ametatarsal and/or the second metatarsal) along the transverse plane. Inthis manner, space between the first and second metatarsals can bereduced and/or eliminated.

Additionally, the fixation device can be slid laterally (e.g., pulled,etc.) to remove the fixation device 5410 from the bone and/or to movethe bone laterally in the opposite direction. In other words, a forcecan be applied to the fixation device 5410 in a negative direction(e.g., a negative force) to remove the fixation device 5410 from a bone(e.g., a metatarsal and/or the first metatarsal) and/or to move the bonelaterally and/or along a transverse plan. In some embodiments, the boneis a first metatarsal, and the negative direction is a direction awayfrom another bone (e.g., a metatarsal and/or the second metatarsal)along the transverse plane. In this manner, space can be created betweenthe first and second metatarsals and/or the space between the first andsecond metatarsals can be increased.

While the various embodiments of the positioning devices 5400A, 5400B,and 5400C show the positioning devices 5400A, 5400B, and 5400C beingused with a fixation device 5410A, the various embodiments are notlimited to such. That is, various other embodiments can use a fixationdevice 5410B with the positioning devices 5400A, 5400B, and 5400C.

FIG. 56 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a surgical system5600 for use in performing an osteotomy. In certain embodiments, theosteotomy can include a procedure to correct a bunion.

At least in the illustrated embodiment, the surgical system 5600includes, among other features, components, and/or elements, a surgicaljig 4300 and a positioning device 5400. The surgical jig 4300 mayinclude any embodiment of the surgical jig discussed herein.

In various embodiments, the positioning device 5400 can include thepositioning device 5400A, the positioning device 5400B, or thepositioning device 5400C. That is, while FIG. 56 shows the surgicalsystem 5600 as including the positioning device 5400A, other embodimentscan include the positioning device 5400B or the positioning device5400C.

In some embodiments, the positioning device 5400 isdetachably/releasably coupleable with the surgical jig 4300. In otherembodiments, the positioning device 5400 is fixedly coupled to and/orforms at least a portion of the surgical jig 4300.

FIGS. 57A and 57B are diagrams illustrating another embodiment of apositioning device 5700 for use in performing an osteotomy. In certainembodiments, the osteotomy can include a procedure to correct a bunion.

At least in the illustrated embodiment, the positioning device 5700includes, among other elements and/or features, a positioning device5400, a set of one or more connectors 5702, a distraction body 5708. Thepositioning device 5400 may include any embodiment of positioning device5400A, positioning device 5400B, and/or positioning device 5400Cdiscussed elsewhere herein. In addition, the distraction body 5708 mayinclude any embodiment of a distraction body 4308 discussed elsewhereherein.

A connector 5702 may include and/or be formed of any suitable materialand/or type of material that is known or developed in the future that iscapable of being sterilized. Further, the connector 5702 may include anysuitable connector and/or type of connector that is known or developedin the future capable of connecting the positioning device 5400 and thedistraction body 5708.

In some embodiments, the connector 5702 is expandable and contractable.For example, FIG. 57A shows a set of connectors 5702 in a contractedposition while connecting the positioning device 5400 and thedistraction body 5708. In an additional or alternative example, FIG. 57Bshows the set of connectors 5702 in an expanded position whileconnecting the positioning device 5400 and the distraction body 5708.

The set of connectors 5702 may be moved from the contracted position tothe expanded position and vice versa using any suitable mechanism and/ortechnique that is known or developed in the future. In some embodiments,the set of connectors 5702 may be slid from the contracted position tothe expanded position and vice versa.

Further, the set of connectors 5702 may be moved from the contractedposition to one of a plurality of expanded positions. Here, the degreeand/or length to which the set of connectors 5702 are expanded or slidopen is dependent upon the corresponding size/length of the subject'smetatarsal and/or the position desired for use in a bunion surgeryand/or procedure.

Additionally, the set of connectors 5702 may be locked in the contractedposition and/or in the expanded position, which locking can be performedusing any suitable mechanism and/or technique that is known or developedin the future. In some embodiments, one or more fixation devices 5410(e.g., K-wire(s) and/or olive wire(s)) can be used to lock the set ofconnectors 5702 in place by inserting the fixation device(s) 5410through the aperture 5412 and into the subject's metatarsal 5902 (see,FIGS. 59A and 59B).

While the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 57A and 57B show a set ofconnectors 5702 as including two (2) connectors 5702, the variousembodiments are not limited to a pair or connectors 5702. That is,various other embodiments can include a single connector 5702 (e.g., one(1) connector 5702) or any suitable quantity of connectors 5702 greaterthat two connectors 5702 (e.g., three (3) connectors 5702, four (4)connectors 5702, five (5) connectors 5702, or more connectors 5702).

FIG. 58 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surgicalsystem 5800 for use in performing an osteotomy. In certain embodiments,the osteotomy can include a procedure to correct a bunion.

At least in the illustrated embodiment, the surgical system 5800includes, among other features, components, and/or elements, a surgicaljig 4300 and a positioning device 5700. The surgical jig 4300 mayinclude any embodiment of the surgical jig discussed herein.

In various embodiments, the positioning device 5800 can include thepositioning device 5400A, the positioning device 5400B, or thepositioning device 5400C. That is, while FIG. 58 shows the surgicalsystem 5600 as including the positioning device 5400A, other embodimentscan include the positioning device 5400B or the positioning device5400C.

In some embodiments, the positioning device 5400 isdetachably/releasably coupleable with the connector(s) 5702. In otherembodiments, the positioning device 5400 is fixedly coupled to and/orforms at least a portion of the connector(s) 5702.

With reference to FIGS. 59A and 59B, FIGS. 59A and 59B illustrate beforeand after illustrations of at least a portion of an osteotomy to correcta bunion. As illustrated, the fixation device 5410 has previously beeninserted into the first metatarsal 5902 (e.g., a first bone) of asubject.

In FIG. 59A, a gap or space 5904 exists between the first metatarsal5902 and a second metatarsal 5906 (e.g., a second bone). The space 5904at this point in time can be considered and/or referred to as a small,relatively small, or smaller space 5904.

In FIG. 59B, a negative force 5908 being applied to the fixation device5410 causes the fixation device 5410 to laterally move/pull the firstmetatarsal 5902 in the direction of the force 5908, which can beconsidered a negative direction in a transverse plane and/or a lateralplane. As the first metatarsal is moved in the negative direction alongthe transverse plane and/or the lateral plane, the first metatarsal ismoved away from the second metatarsal 5906 enlarging the space 5904. Thespace 5904 at this point in time can be considered and/or referred to asa large, relatively large, or larger space 5904.

The force 5908 applied to the fixation device 5410, in some embodiments,is applied by a tuner (e.g., tuner 5408A), a positioning device 5400A, atuner (e.g., a tuner 5408B), a positioning device 5400B, or apositioning device 5800. In additional or alternative embodiments, apositioning device 5400C applies the force 5908 and/or facilitatesapplication of the force 5908 to the fixation device 5410, which forcecan be mechanically or manually applied (e.g., by a healthcareprofessional).

FIG. 60 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method 6000for positioning and/or moving a bone during an osteotomy. At least inthe illustrated embodiment, the method 6000 can begin by attachingand/or coupling a fixation device 5410 to a first metatarsal 5902 orother bone (block 6002).

The fixation device 5410 may include any embodiment of a fixation device5410 discussed elsewhere herein. Further, the fixation device 5410 canbe attached/coupled to the first metatarsal 5902 or bone using anyembodiment of a positioning device 5400A, 5400B, or 5400C and/or anyembodiment of a tuner 5408A or 5408B.

A force 5708 is applied, via the positioning device 5400A, 5400B, or5400C, to the first metatarsal 5902 or bone to move the first metatarsal5902 (block 6004). The force 5908 can be a rotational force and/or asliding force in a negative direction in a lateral plane and/ortransverse plane, as discussed elsewhere herein.

In some embodiments, applying the force 5908 moves the first metatarsal5902 from a first or original position to a second or new position,which can include a corrected position. In this manner, the firstmetatarsal 5902 is moved away from the second metatarsal 5906 to createspace 5904 and/or to increase the size and/or amount of space 5904between the first metatarsal 5902 and the second metatarsal 5906.

FIG. 61 is a flow diagram illustrating another embodiment of a method6100 for positioning and/or moving a bone during an osteotomy. At leastin the illustrated embodiment, the method 6100 can begin by releasing afirst metatarsal 5902 or bone from a tarsometatarsal joint 5910 (see,FIGS. 59A and 59B) or other joint (block 6102). The first metatarsal5902 can be released by, for example, cutting the first metatarsal 5902from the tarsometatarsal joint 5910.

A fixation device 5410 is attached and/or coupled to the released firstmetatarsal 5902 or other bone (block 6104). The fixation device 5410 mayinclude any embodiment of a fixation device 5410 discussed elsewhereherein. Further, the fixation device 5410 can be attached/coupled to thefirst metatarsal 5902 or bone using any embodiment of a positioningdevice 5400A, 5400B, or 5400C and/or any embodiment of a tuner 5408A or5408B.

A force 5908 is applied, via the positioning device 5400A, 5400B, or5400C, to the released first metatarsal 5902 or bone to move the firstmetatarsal 5902 (block 6106). The force 5908 can be a rotational forceand/or a sliding force in a negative direction in a lateral plane and/ortransverse plane, as discussed elsewhere herein.

In some embodiments, applying the force 5908 moves the released firstmetatarsal 5902 from a first or original position to a second or newposition, which can include a corrected position. In this manner, thereleased first metatarsal 5902 is moved away from the second metatarsal5906 to create space 5904 and/or to increase the size and/or amount ofspace 5904 between the released first metatarsal 5902 and the secondmetatarsal 5906.

FIG. 62 is a flow diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of amethod 6200 for positioning and/or moving a bone during an osteotomy. Atleast in the illustrated embodiment, the method 6200 can begin byattaching and/or coupling fixation device 5410 to a first metatarsal5902 or other bone (block 6202).

The fixation device 5410 may include any embodiment of a fixation device5410 discussed elsewhere herein. Further, the fixation device 5410 canbe attached/coupled to the first metatarsal 5902 or bone using anyembodiment of a positioning device 5400A, 5400B, 5400C and/or anyembodiment of a tuner 5408A or 5408B.

A force 5908 is applied, via the positioning device 5400A, 5400B, or5400C, to the first metatarsal 5902 or bone to move the first metatarsal5902 (block 6204). The force 5908 can be a rotational force and/or asliding force in a negative direction in a lateral plane and/ortransverse plane, as discussed elsewhere herein.

In some embodiments, applying the force 5908 moves the first metatarsal5902 from a first or original position to a second or new position,which can include a corrected position. In this manner, the firstmetatarsal 5902 is moved away from the second metatarsal 5906 to createspace 5904 and/or to increase the size and/or amount of space 5904between the first metatarsal 5902 and the second metatarsal 5906.

The moved first metatarsal 5902 or bone is released from atarsometatarsal joint 5910 (see, FIGS. 59A and 59B) or other joint(block 6206). The moved first metatarsal 5902 can be released by, forexample, cutting the moved first metatarsal 5902 from thetarsometatarsal joint 5910.

Embodiments may be practiced in other specific forms. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the various embodiments and/orinvention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than bythe foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a positioning body detachably couplable toa surgical instrument; and a tuner coupled to the positioning body,wherein: at least one of the positioning body and the tuner comprise anaperture configured to receive at least one fixation device for engaginga bone.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the positioning bodycomprises a first aperture configured to receive the tuner; and thetuner comprises a second aperture configured to receive the at least onefixation device for engaging the bone.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein the at least one fixation device comprises at least one of aK-wire and an olive pin.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein thefixation device comprises a stopper configured to position topredetermined depth.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thepositioning body comprises a securing device configured to detachablycouple the positioning body to the surgical instrument.
 6. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the tuner is one of threadedor non-threaded.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bone is ametatarsal.
 8. A system, comprising: a surgical instrument; apositioning body detachably couplable to the surgical instrument; atuner coupled to the positioning body, wherein: at least one of thepositioning body and the tuner comprise an aperture configured toreceive at least one fixation device for engaging a bone.
 9. The systemof claim 8, wherein: the positioning body comprises a first apertureconfigured to receive the tuner; and the tuner comprises a secondaperture configured to receive the at least one fixation device forengaging the bone.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the bone is ametatarsal.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the positioning bodycomprises the aperture configured to receive the at least one fixationdevice for engaging the bone.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein thebone is a metatarsal.
 13. The system of claim 8, wherein the at leastone fixation device comprises one of an olive pin comprising a stopperor a K-wire.
 14. The system of claim 8, wherein at least a portion ofthe tuner is one of threaded or non-threaded.
 15. A method, comprising;coupling, via a positioning device, a fixation device to a bone; andapplying a force, via the positioning, to the fixation device to movethe bone from a first position to a second position.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein applying a force, via the positioning device, to thefixation device comprises applying the force to the fixation device innegative direction along a transverse plane.
 17. The method of claim 16,further comprising detaching the bone from a joint.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the force is applied to the fixation device in thenegative direction after the bone is detached from the joint.
 19. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the force is applied to the fixation devicein the negative direction before the bone is detached from the joint.20. The method of claim 15, wherein: the bone is a first metatarsal; andmoving the bone from the first position to the second position increasesa space between the first metatarsal and an adjacent second metatarsal.